'On Golden Pond' to close due to James Earl Jones' illness

People

NEW YORK - The Broadway revival of "On Golden Pond" will close Sunday because its star, James Earl Jones, who is recuperating from pneumonia, can't return to the production next week.

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"The entire 'On Golden Pond' family is heartbroken to close this production prematurely, and it's especially disappointing that James Earl Jones won't be with us for our final performances," said producer Jeffrey Finn in a statement.

The statement said Jones' doctors had determined that "the seriousness of recuperating from pneumonia would prevent his return until sometime in August," adding that the actor is expected to make a full recovery.

Jones has been recuperating at home, the statement said.

The 74-year-old Jones has been out of the show since June 15, and box-office receipts have plummeted. Last week, the play, which also stars Leslie Uggams, grossed $162,053, filling less than 40 percent of the seats at the Cort Theatre. During Jones' absence, his role has been played by Charles Turner.

"On Golden Pond" opened April 7 to largely positive reviews, particularly for Jones, who portrays irascible professor Norman Thayer. The production had been slated to run through Labor Day. When it closes Sunday, it will have played a total of 19 previews and 93 regular performances.